CN103875027A - Mobile assay facility and method of using same to procure and assay precious metals - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-contained mobile assay facility built in a converted armored truck is fully equipped to melt and assay pairs of precious metals especially gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal, which is then cast into ingots. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals is recorded. Calculate the value of gold at the current market price, and print the measurement result and value of the ingot and provide it to the seller. The seller can choose to receive the ingot and pay the assay fee to the assayer. Alternatively, the seller may request to be paid in cash or by wire transfer, where the wire transfer may be executed and confirmed from within the removable assay device. Ingots can be safely stored or consigned directly from mobile equipment to wholesalers for further processing.

Description

Mobile assay device and method for obtaining and assaying precious metals using the device

Cross References to Related Applications

This application is related to a US patent application entitled "Methods of Preparation and Use as a Transportable Assay Platform," filed concurrently herein and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This US patent application, incorporated herein by reference, is referred to hereinafter as "our co-pending merged application."

technical field

The present invention relates to apparatus for assaying precious metals, and more particularly, to a safe, mobile, self-contained assay apparatus and methods of obtaining, assaying and processing gold and other precious metals using the apparatus.

Background technique

The increasing demand for gold and other precious metals for industrial processing, investment and other uses has led to record increases in the market prices of these metals. The higher market price of gold encourages owners of unused unwanted jewelry to sell the jewelry through brokers such as pawn shops, jewelry stores, and other establishments that buy such used jewelry from the public. As used herein, the term pawnbroker is used to refer to recipients of all and part of these precious metals. Also, for simplicity, the term gold is assumed to include other precious metals such as, but not limited to, silver, platinum, copper, and the like.

After the pawnbroker buys gold (most likely mixed jewelry from several individual sellers), the pawnbroker must either melt down the gold it bought or sell the gold to a precious metal processor.

Contents of the invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a mobile assay device and a method of using the same. A vehicle is fully equipped to melt and assay precious metals (especially gold and gold alloys): the vehicle (ideally an armored truck) is modified to raise the height of the canopy in the cargo area so that an adult can stand in it.

Induction furnaces designed to melt precious metals are installed in vehicles. A three-phase diesel powered generator, typically placed on the roof of the vehicle and fueled from the vehicle's fuel supply, is used to power the induction furnace and other electrical devices used in the assay process. Alternatively, vehicles (typically other than induction stoves) can be powered from an external power source.

The means for supplying cooling water to the induction furnace as well as the cooling tanks for cooling the ingots are also located in the vehicle.

Precision scales, usually analytical balances, are used to weigh the precious metals, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) alloy analyzers are used to provide an accurate determination of the content of the ingot.

In operation, sellers of loose metal (often unbuyable or broken jewelry) bring unbuyable precious metal to a mobile assay facility that melts and casts it into ingots. After the ingot has cooled and dried, it is weighed and the exact weight is recorded in a computer. The ingot is then analyzed with an XRF analyzer and the precise determination of the ingot is recorded in the computer.

A communication device within the mobile assay facility is used to determine the current price of the precious metal of interest (usually gold) and also enters this into the computer. The value of a particular precious metal can be calculated using existing data in a computer.

Sellers have several options. He or she will expect to receive the molten ingot. In this case, the seller pays the cost of melting and testing to the tester, and then leaves with the ingot.

If the seller desires to receive cash instead of the ingot, the cash dispenser in the mobile metering device is used to pay the seller the amount due in cash.

If the seller desires to receive payment for the ingot by wire transfer on his or her account, the wire transfer is initiated within the mobile assay device. Once the confirmation number is received from the issuing bank, the seller leaves the device. The seller may be offered an opportunity to communicate with his or her issuing bank to obtain a confirmation number.

If purchased from a vendor, the ingot may be placed in a safe within the vehicle, or alternatively, one or more ingots may be consigned to a processor of the precious metal. First, the ingot is placed in a security box (such as a turtle box), with one or more security seals attached, and the turtle box is placed in a standard FedEx shipper or other shipper's shipping container, The shipping container is then dropped off at any FedEx or other shipper's location or any suitable pickup box.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mobile, self-contained assay apparatus fully configured to melt and assay fractional precious metals.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile self-contained assay device built in a converted armored truck.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a mobile, self-contained assay device in which fragmentary Precious metals, and molten precious metals can be formed into ingots.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a mobile, self-contained facility in which accurate determinations of ingots can be made and the current market price of gold or another precious metal can be determined so that it is possible to determine The value of the ingot.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a self-contained mobile assay device in which a computer calculates the value of the seller's scrap precious metals currently in ingot form and the seller can withdraw them in cash Payment for precious metals can be made by cash withdrawn from the machine or alternatively by wire transfer initiated and confirmed from the fully assembled mobile assay device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile self-contained assay safety, monitoring and communication system whereby position, security and relation to the mobile self-contained assay can be obtained at a location remote from the system additional information for .

Description of drawings

The various objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated and better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate the same or similar items throughout the following views parts, where:

Figures 1a and 1b show right and rear perspective views of a vehicle suitable for use as a mobile assay device;

Figure 2a is a schematic plan view of the top of the interior of the vehicle of Figures 1a and 1b;

Figures 2b and 2c are right and left schematic rear perspective views, respectively, of the interior of a portion of the vehicle of Figure 2a;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the cab portion of the vehicle of Figures 1a, 1b and 2a, viewed from the rear of the vehicle;

Figure 4a is a schematic plan view of the roof of the vehicle of Figures 1a and 1b;

Figure 4b is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle roof of Figure 4a;

Figure 5 is a simplified system block diagram of a safety system forming part of the vehicle of Figures 1a and 1b;

Figures 6a and 6b together form a flow diagram illustrating a method of using the mobile assay device of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a screenshot of an ingot assay forming part of the method of Figures 6a and 6b; and

Figure 8 is a settlement table showing information about the value and costs associated with precious metals obtained from sellers of precious metals according to the method of Figures 6a and 6b.

Detailed ways

The present invention provides a mobile device and a method of using the same.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b , there are shown right side and rear views of a vehicle, generally indicated by the reference numeral 100 , suitable for use as a mobile assay device. In selected embodiments for the present invention, a modified armored truck was selected to house the mobile assay equipment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that other types of vehicles may be used to meet particular operating situations or circumstances. Accordingly, the present invention should not be considered limited to the armored trucks selected for the present invention. Rather, the present invention is intended to include any suitable vehicle.

A modification has been made to the vehicle 100 in which the roof 102 has been raised from its original position to allow for additional interior headroom. In the embodiment selected for the present invention, the canopy has been raised approximately 18 inches, as indicated by reference numeral 104 . However, it should be appreciated that height increases 104 other than 18 inches are possible and may be desirable for certain applications.

The roof 102 of the vehicle 100 is typically reinforced using a polymeric foam material between the inner and outer roof layers. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the canopy may be reinforced and any other suitable canopy strengthening technique may be substituted for the foam used for the present invention.

A canopy skirting 106 is added around at least a portion of a perimeter (not specifically shown) of the canopy 102 .

A ladder 108 provided on the rear side of the vehicle 100 facilitates access to the canopy 102 . As described in detail below, canopy 102 is used to support the mechanical equipment required to support the movable assay manipulation device.

Referring now also to FIGS. 2 a , 2 b and 2 c , there are shown, respectively, a schematic top view of the top of the vehicle 100 , a schematic rear perspective view of the right side of the interior of the vehicle 100 , indicated generally by reference numeral 120 , and A schematic rear perspective view of the left side of the interior of the vehicle 100 . View 120 a is thus a simplified plan view of measuring device 110 and cab 112 .

Typically in an armored truck, the secure cargo compartment 110 and the cab 112 are separated from each other by a fixed bulkhead 114 . Bulletproof windows 116 allow visual communication between cargo bay 110 and cockpit 112 . An electronic communication device, described below, is also provided between the cargo compartment 110 and the cab 112 .

A pair of rear doors 122a, 122b that open outwards form an ingress/egress into or from the interior of the cargo compartment 110 (hereinafter referred to as the assay device 110). It should be appreciated that some trucks have only a single rear door not specifically shown.

A rear bucket seat 124 is placed adjacent to the rear door 122 a with the rear of the seat 124 abutting against the right bulkhead 126 . The seat 124 is an upholstered seat designed for passenger comfort and is fully equipped with a seat belt system to ensure the safety of the passenger while the vehicle 100 is in motion.

分析仪。通常在站台（未特别示出）上安装有型号为XL3t的Thermo Scientific

分析仪130以便于使用。应当认识到的是，使用不同分析技术的其他合适的XRF分析仪和/或类似分析仪可以代替选择用于本发明的型号为XL3t XRF的Thermo Scientific

分析仪130。因此，本发明不应当被认为局限于特定的分析装置或技术，这是因为可以利用任何合适的分析装置。Adjacent the seat 124 is a work table 128 having an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) alloy analyzer 130 disposed on its upper surface. A Thermo Scientific model XL3t XRF manufactured by ThermoFisher Scientific, MA which has been found suitable for this application

Analyzer. A Thermo Scientific Model XL3t is usually mounted on a stand (not specifically shown)

Analyzer 130 for ease of use. It should be appreciated that other suitable XRF analyzers using different analytical techniques and/or similar analyzers may be substituted for the Thermo Scientific model XL3t XRF selected for use in the present invention.

Analyzer 130. Accordingly, the present invention should not be considered limited to a particular analysis device or technique, as any suitable analysis device may be utilized.

Pro分析天平。正如使用在测定设备110中的其他装备那样，应当认识到的是，可以用其他合适的秤或天平代替型号为EP6101N的Ohaus天平，并且本发明意在包括任何合适的秤或天平。The upper surface of the work table 128 is also provided with a precision scale, typically an analytical balance 132 . An Ohaus model EP6101N manufactured by Ohaus Corporation of Parsippany, NJ has been found suitable for this application.

Pro analytical balance. As with the other equipment used in assay device 110, it should be appreciated that other suitable scales or balances may be substituted for the Ohaus balance, model number EP6101N, and any suitable scale or balance is intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Cooling box 134 is located between work table 128 and side door 136 .

A side door 136 is typically used to allow entry for customers (ie, sellers of precious metals).

A fixed bulkhead 138 located between the assay device 110 and the cab 112 is adjacent and perpendicular to the side door 136 .

The safe 140 is positioned against a left wall 142 opposite the side door 136 of the vehicle 100 . Safe 140 has a flat top surface that serves as a work surface, as explained in more detail below.

Adjacent the safe 140 is an induction furnace 144 having an opening 146 in the upper surface to receive a crucible. One which has been found suitable for this application is the CEIA model F5-D/1200 manufactured by CEIA SpA of Arezzo, Italy. It should be appreciated that other similar induction furnaces are known to those skilled in the art and that any suitable one of these induction furnaces may be substituted for the CEIA furnace selected for the present invention.

As best shown in FIG. 2c, exhaust system 160 is movable along a vertical axis such that exhaust hood 162 is movable between an operative position proximate crucible opening 146 and a raised inoperative position, wherein the inoperative position Access is made to a crucible (not specifically shown) disposed in crucible opening 146 . Fumes collected by the exhaust hood 152 are exhausted through the exhaust system 150 above the roof of the vehicle 100 . Due to the nature of the fumes generated during precious metal smelting, the exhaust system is adapted to change the total volume of air within the assay device 110 at a frequency of several times per minute. In the selected embodiment for the present invention, the exhaust system 150 changes the air in the assay device 110 approximately four times per minute. It should be appreciated that the exhaust system 150 could easily be modified to provide fewer or more changes per minute as desired.

Adjacent to the induction heater 144 is another work frame 147 and adjacent to the work frame 147 is an induction heating cooling box 148 . A two-stage cooling system 150 is positioned above the induction heating cooling tank 148 , and necessary plumbing, not specifically shown, including pipes, valves, etc. to create sufficient cooling water flow through the induction furnace 144 . Also included in the aforementioned pipelines is the equipment that introduces compressed air to purge all the pipelines if necessary to eliminate damage due to freezing.

As best shown in FIG. 2c, notebook computer 152 is mounted above induction heated cooling box 148 and two-stage cooling system 150, and is oriented so that the screen of notebook computer 152 (not specifically shown) can be easily seated. A passenger (not shown) in the rear bucket seat 124 sees it. The functions of the notebook computer 152 will be described in detail below. In an alternate embodiment, the notebook computer 152 may be replaced with a computer monitor operatively connected to a notebook computer 174 located in the cabin 112 of the vehicle 100 .

A cash dispenser 154 adjacent to the roof (not specifically shown) of the vehicle 100 is positioned at the front left corner of the assay device 110 and above the safe 140 .

The fold-down work table 156 is stored flat against the divider 138 .

Air conditioning unit 158 is also mounted against bulkhead 138 .

Referring now also to FIG. 3 , there is shown a perspective view of cab 112 as viewed from assay device 110 through window 116 .

The cab portion 112 of the vehicle 100 has a driver air seat 170 in the position normally occupied by the driver's seat.

Between the driver air seat 170 and the passenger air seat 172 is a laptop computer 174 supported on a custom support table 176 . The support table 176 is rotatable between a storage position and an in-use position. The support stand 176 allows for unobstructed travel of the vehicle 100 when in the stored position. The support table 176 can be selectively rotated to a driver's position or a passenger's position if desired, thereby allowing the driver or passenger to easily access the notebook computer 174 .

Various safety communication system components 180 may be installed in, on, or above the control panel of the vehicle 100 . These safety and communication system components, which are not individually shown in FIG. 2, are described in detail below.

Security video monitor 178 is typically mounted above the vehicle's windshield (not specifically shown). The safety monitor 178 is mounted such that the driver or passengers within the cab 112 of the vehicle 100 can be easily seen.

Referring now also to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b , there are shown a top plan view and a schematic perspective view, respectively, of the roof of the vehicle 100 , generally indicated by the reference numeral 200 .

Mounted on the canopy 200 are three main components: a generator 202 , an air compressor 204 , and an external exhaust 206 forming part of an exhaust system 160 .

Generator 202 is a three phase 208 volt diesel powered generator capable of outputting approximately 12kW of power. This capability is required in order to power the induction furnace 144 as well as all other electrical equipment associated with the vehicle 100 . Although a Kubota generator model number 10012ENC engine type V1505BG has been chosen for this article, it should be appreciated that other similar generators available from other manufacturers may be substituted. Accordingly, the present invention should not be considered limited to a particular make or model of engine. Rather, the invention is intended to encompass any suitable generator. It should be noted that vehicles other than induction furnace 114 can typically be powered from an external power source. Induction furnaces generally require too much power to rely on any external power source of extremely high capacity.

The air compressor 204 chosen for the present invention was a 1 horsepower Porter Cable compressor model AC3P with a capacity of 3 gallons at 120 psi. Air supplied by air compressor 204 is used for passenger, driver and rear air seats 170, 172 and 124, respectively. In addition, compressed air supplied by air compressor 204 is available for use in assay device 110 and the main cooling water discharge line to induction furnace 144, which prevents cooling water from freezing in the furnace or cooling water piping in cold weather.

Vent 206 is specifically designed as a high volume vent to allow the required volume of air to be ventilated within assay device 110 when exhaust system 160 is operating at its highest speed.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a simplified system block diagram of a safety system installed in the vehicle 100 , generally indicated at 220 , is shown. Several security cameras 222a . Typically at least four cameras 222a...222n are installed. However, fewer or more cameras 222a...222n may be used to meet the needs of a particular operating environment.

The cameras 222a . . . 222n are connected to a monitor 178 within the cabin 112 of the vehicle 100 . Typically, the monitor 178 is a split screen monitor and, in selected embodiments for the present invention, can simultaneously display images from four different cameras 222a...222n. It should be appreciated that a video switcher (not shown) may be used to display the output images of more than four cameras 222a...222n in succession. Such video switchers may be considered to be known to those skilled in the art, and thus will not be described or discussed herein.

The images output from the cameras 222a...222n are also provided to a digital video camera (DVR) 224 which continuously records images from all the cameras 222a...222n whenever the vehicle is away from the base of operations.

DVR 224 is operatively connected to security system controller 226 for performing all security/surveillance tasks in and around vehicle 100 . The functions of DVR 224 are managed by security system controller 226 .

Various safety warning input devices, collectively designated by reference numeral 228, are supplied as input devices to the safety system controller 226 for processing, including but not limited to motion sensors, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, Glass break sensor, safe intrusion sensor, acoustic sensor, fire sensor, power failure sensor, panic button or any other known sensor or input device.

Local annunciators such as bells, sirens, lights, or other such devices, generally designated by the reference numeral 230 , are also connected to the security system controller 226 . The local annunciator 230 may be activated by the security system controller 226 when the security system warning input device 228 makes the security system controller 226 believe that there is a potential safety hazard.

The security system controller 226 is also connected to an external communications controller 232 which typically maintains a constant connection to a base of operations (not shown). Communication is typically via a 3G/4G or similar mobile phone network connection. However, the invention should not be considered limited to mobile telephone network connections. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover any suitable wireless data communication link, known or not yet developed, over which digital data is communicated. Typically, images from cameras 222a...222n are transmitted via external communication link 232 to a base of operations (eg, a head office or branch office).

External communications controller 226 may also be adapted to use automated protocol 911 to engage with local law enforcement personnel during a security alert state. A GPS unit 234 connected to the security system controller can be used to provide the precise location of the vehicle 100 .

During normal operation, the GPS unit 234 provides the base of operations with the constantly changing location of the vehicle 100 .

In selected embodiments for the invention, the safety system controller 226 forms part of a control panel/safety system component 180 disposed in the cabin 112 of the vehicle 100 . Typically, all safety features are operated by a driver (not shown), who may remain safe in cab 112 as required while an assay technician (not shown) operates assay device 110 . Since the cab 112 and the assay apparatus 110 are safely spaced apart from each other, the driver in the cab 112 can promptly deal with a safety accident in the assay apparatus 110 .

In operation, the mobile assay device (ie, vehicle 100 ) may be driven to a jewelry store, pawn shop, or other place of business with loose gold. For simplicity, the term customer is used to represent any such facility or source of loose gold or other precious metals.

Referring now to FIGS. 6a and 6b , collectively shown is a flow diagram of the mobile assay process of the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 300 .

The process begins (block 302). Once the customer has been identified and a pickup plan established (block 304 ), the vehicle 100 is driven to the customer's location. Complete any necessary paperwork to comply with 13C.F.R. §103.140 or other anti-money laundering laws, as necessary (box 306).

The customer enters the equipment space 110 and the customer presents loose jewelry or other loose gold or other precious metals to the equipment technician (block 308 ). Typically, each customer is provided with an imperceptible collection container (not shown) such that the movement of the container is unlikely to cause suspicion to anyone who sees a loose golden handover between the customer's equipment and the vehicle 100 . In one embodiment, a two gallon paint bucket is used. It should be appreciated that many alternative containers may be used in place of this container.

The bucket and its contents are first weighed using the analytical balance 132 (block 310). The loose gold is then transferred to a crucible (not specifically shown) placed in crucible opening 146 of induction furnace 144 . Turn on the induction furnace and allow it to reach the desired melting temperature (usually around 3000°F). Smaller amounts of piecemeal gold are usually added. The molten precious metal mixture is periodically stirred to obtain a furnace homogeneous mixture of metal parts. Unmelted metal such as platinum (Pt) is removed from the melt as dross (block 312 ).

In block 314, when the melt is at a suitable temperature to be considered uniform and free of dross, the crucible is removed from the induction heater 144 and the contents are injected into a suitably sized ingot mold.

Once the injected ingot has cooled sufficiently for safe handling, the ingot mold with the ingot still in place is placed in cooling box 134 for rapid cooling.

While cooling, the ingot, usually still in the ingot mold, is removed from the cooling box 132 . The ingot is then removed from the ingot mold and the ingot is dried (block 316). In block 318 , once the ingot is dried, it is weighed on the analytical balance 132 and the weight is typically recorded in the computer 174 within the cab 112 . Analytical balance 134 has an interface (not shown) allowing it to be electrically connected to computer 174 .

After weighing, the ingot is scanned using the XRF analyzer 130 at block 322 and the X-ray analysis results are recorded and displayed at block 324 . A screenshot of a typical analysis result is shown in FIG. 7 . As can be easily seen, the percentages and two sigma values of the different constituent metals of the ingots are shown. In the example shown in Figure 7, gold (Au) forms 59.66% with a 2σ value of 0.88. Also, the percentages of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are shown.

In block 326, the market value of the selected precious metal (e.g., gold) in the ingot is calculated and the value of the selected precious metal (e.g., gold) in the ingot is determined by first obtaining the current market value of gold. Market value. The value of the chosen precious metal (for example, gold) is calculated by multiplying the total weight of the ingot by the percentage of metal in the ingot multiplied by the current market value. Weight is typically expressed in ounces, although it should be appreciated that other units of measurement, such as grams, may be used for this calculation.

Once the market value of the precious metal is known, it is possible to calculate how much the customer will have to pay for the ingot. Referring now also to FIG. 8 , there is shown a form, generally indicated at 380 , that may be used to determine the price to be paid by a customer.

For simplicity of description, gold can be used. It should be appreciated, however, that any precious metal of interest may be substituted for the gold used with respect to the present invention. The percent (%) purity values derived from the X-ray analysis are shown in table 380 and indicated by reference numeral 382 .

The total ounces of gold 384 is calculated by converting the weight of the metal bar or ingot from grams to ounces (if necessary) and multiplying by the purity 382 percent.

The market price of gold obtained at box 326 is also displayed in table 380 and indicated by reference numeral 386 .

The total 388 is obtained by multiplying the total ounces of gold 384 by the current market price 386 .

The deal also includes a 5% processing fee. Subtracting the processing fee from the total 388 is the net amount (negative fee) to be paid to the customer, indicated at 390 . Although a 5% processing fee has been selected for the present invention, it should be appreciated that other constant or varying percentage processing fees may be substituted for the 5% value selected for the present invention.

Optionally, three surcharges, processing 392 , shipping 394 , and wire 396 may be subtracted from the 95% total 390 to calculate the customer's net payout 398 .

A processing fee or handling fee 392 is applied to small orders to offset the overhead of driving the vehicle 100 to the customer for small batch processing.

If the molten ingot is to be shipped to a buyer, a freight charge of 394 may be imposed.

A wire transfer fee 396 may be charged to cover fees paid to the customer via wire transfer.

Once any fees 392, 394, 396 are subtracted, the customer's net payout can be calculated 398 at block 330 .

Customers can pay for loose metal in several ways. One way is to simply return the ingot to the customer and charge the customer a measured processing fee (box 338). Once the processing fee has been collected (box 338), in cash or by other agreed means, the ingot is returned (box 340), the customer statement is printed (box 360) and disposition is complete (box 358).

In the event that the customer chooses to pay in cash (block 334), the appropriate amount of cash is withdrawn from the cash dispenser 154 controlled by the driver in the cab 112 (block 336). The customer statement is then printed (box 356) and control passes to box 348.

However, in the event that the customer elects to pay his or her bill by wire transfer (block 342 ), then the driver in cab 112 operates to perform the wire transfer (block 344 ). Typically, the customer will not leave the assay facility 110 until the wire transfer confirmation slip including the confirmation number is received and obtained. The customer statement is printed (box 356 ) and control passes to box 348 .

可以用作托运服务。应当认识到的是，还可以使用不同于FedEx的其他合适的托运商。通常使用次日快递服务来将铸锭托运至买家。If the customer surrenders the ingot, it may be checked in or placed in safe 140 . If the ingot is to be consigned (box 348), it may be placed into a so-called turtle box and sealed with one or more security seals (box 350). The turtle box is then placed in a suitable shipping container and checked in (box 352). selected for the present invention

Can be used as consignment service. It should be appreciated that other suitable shippers than FedEx may also be used. The ingots are usually consigned to the buyer using a next day courier service.

If the ingot is not checked in (box 348), it is placed in safe 140 (box 346).

Since the vehicle 100 is equipped with a full range of communication equipment including the Internet, ingot buyers can be alerted to the ingot's expectations and buyers get consignment numbers and ingot assay analysis. By reaching a suitable agreement with the buyer of the ingot, the buyer can pay the price of the ingot to the seller by wire transfer, so that the fluctuation of the price is as small as possible.

Since other modifications and variations of the invention are apparent to those skilled in the art which modify the invention to meet particular operational requirements, the invention should not be considered limited to the examples chosen for the invention and encompasses All changes and modifications are included that do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the above invention which is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. a removable sensing equipment, comprising:

A) removable vehicle, described removable vehicle is applicable to comprise noble metal is melted and measures required all instruments and equipment, and described vehicle is suitable for making selling seller and can observing described fusing and mensuration process of noble metal;

B) scale, described scale is arranged in described vehicle and described in being positioned at and sells in seller's the visual field, and described scale is suitable for exporting the signal of the weight that represents the object weighing on described scale;

C) stove, described stove is arranged in described vehicle and is suitable for the noble metal collected from the described seller of selling of fusing, sells in seller's the visual field and be suitable for melting described noble metal with generation ingot casting described in described stove is arranged on;

D) x-ray fluorescence (XRF) alloy analysis instrument, described x-ray fluorescence (XRF) alloy analysis instrument be arranged in described vehicle and described in sell in seller's the visual field, and described x-ray fluorescence (XRF) alloy analysis instrument is suitable for analyzing the ingot casting of described fusing and is suitable for record and shows the analysis result of the ingot casting of described fusing;

E) device, described device is for the Vehicles Collected from Market price of the specific noble metal of paying close attention to of definite described ingot casting near described vehicle set;

F) computing machine, described definite Vehicles Collected from Market price of the described specific noble metal that described computing machine is suitable for receiving the described signal of the weight of the object that the representative that at least receives from described scale weighs, the output of being recorded by described XRF analysis device, pay close attention to, and the marketable value that described computing machine is suitable for the described noble metal component at least described ingot casting is calculated; And

G) printer, described printer is suitable at least described result of calculation to print.

2. removable sensing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, described removable vehicle comprises such vehicle: the vehicle that comprises pilothouse part and cargo hold part.

3. removable sensing equipment according to claim 2, wherein, described truck comprises the armored truck of repacking, the armored truck of described repacking comprises each other by the isolated pilothouse part of stationary barrier and cargo hold part, top at least described cargo hold part predetermined value that can raise, taking in described cargo hold part as upright adult provides the space of standing.

4. removable sensing equipment according to claim 3, wherein, described predetermined value is approximately 18 inches.

5. removable sensing equipment according to claim 3, wherein, the armored truck of described repacking comprises mark in its outside.

6. removable sensing equipment according to claim 5, wherein, described mark comprises at least one in following mark: advertisement and for covering up described vehicle as the misleading mark of removable sensing equipment.

7. removable sensing equipment according to claim 3, also comprises:

H) graphoscope, described graphoscope is arranged in the described cargo hold part of described vehicle and is operatively connected to described computing machine; And

I) seat, described seat is arranged in described cargo area and is positioned to make at least described scale, described XRF analysis device, described induction furnace and the occupant of described graphoscope in described seat the visual field.

8. removable sensing equipment according to claim 2, wherein, described stove comprises:

I) induction furnace;

Ii) for the cooling water source of described induction furnace, described cooling water source is operatively connected to described induction furnace; And

Iii) hood, described hood is arranged to adjacent with described induction furnace and is suitable for the flue gas being produced by described induction furnace to remove in described cargo hold part.

9. removable sensing equipment according to claim 8, wherein, described cooling water source comprises two-stage cooling device, and described two-stage cooling device comprises reserve tank and be operatively connected to the cooling device of described reserve tank, and described two-stage cooling device is operatively connected to described induction furnace.

10. removable sensing equipment according to claim 2, also comprises:

H) ingot casting cooling tank, described ingot casting cooling tank is arranged to adjacent with described induction furnace in the described cargo hold part of described vehicle.

11. removable sensing equipments according to claim 2, also comprise:

H) proof box, described proof box is arranged in described vehicle and is suitable for accommodating at least described ingot casting.

12. removable sensing equipments according to claim 2, wherein, the type of described computing machine is selected from: laptop computer, notebook, net book computing machine, flat computer and other portable computer systems.

13. removable sensing equipments according to claim 2, also comprise:

H) generator, described power facility causes and supplies power at least described stove.

14. removable sensing equipments according to claim 13, wherein, described generator comprises three-phase diesel generator.

15. removable sensing equipments according to claim 13, wherein, described generator is arranged on the top of cargo area of described vehicle.

16. removable sensing equipments according to claim 2, also comprise:

H) safety and supervisory system, described safety and supervisory system are arranged in described vehicle and described vehicle periphery, and described safety and supervisory system comprise:

I) at least one camera, described at least one camera is arranged on the position of selecting out from lower column position: inside, the inside of described pilothouse part and the outside of described vehicle of described cargo hold part;

Ii) watch-dog, described watch-dog is arranged on the inside of described vehicle and is operatively connected to described at least one camera, to show the image from described at least one camera;

Iii) digital video camcorder, described digital video camcorder is operatively connected to described at least one camera and is suitable for the image of record from described at least one camera; And

Iv) communication link, described communication link is operatively connected at least one in described at least one camera and described digital video camcorder, and be suitable at least one from described at least one camera and described digital video camcorder by least one image and be sent to the receiver away from the position of described truck, wherein, described digital video camcorder is operatively connected to the each camera in described at least one camera.

17. removable sensing equipments according to claim 16, wherein, described safety and supervisory system also comprise:

V) at least one early warning input media, described at least one early warning input media is selected from: motion sensor, pressure transducer, vibration transducer, glass break sensors, proof box intrusion sensor, sound transducer, fire sensor, power failure sensor, emergency button and other early warning sensors; And

Vi) at least one local signal device, described at least one local signal device is selected from: bell, steam whistle, light or signalling means device.

18. removable sensing equipments according to claim 2, also comprise:

H) air compressor, described air compressor is arranged on the top of described vehicle.

19. removable sensing equipments according to claim 2, also comprise:

H) communication system, described communication system is arranged in described vehicle, for set up and be maintained until few digital communication away from the position of described vehicle and be used to described removable sensing equipment that internet access is provided.

20. removable sensing equipments according to claim 2, also comprise:

H) air-conditioning, described air-conditioning is arranged in the described cargo hold part of described vehicle.

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